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More than 100 NHS jobs to be axed in County Durham
Aug 27, 2010
MORE than 100 NHS jobs in County Durham look set to be axed as health chiefs outline plans to make massive cutbacks.
By next April, North East Strategic Health Authority and the 12 primary care trusts (PCTs) in the region aim to save £27m through cuts to managerial and administrative staff.
The NHS says the money will be reinvested in frontline services, but union leaders say they are concerned about the affect on the NHS.
About 110 jobs are expected to go at County Durham Primary Care Trust and a further 37 at the North East Strategic Health Authority.
In total, more than 500 positions are likely to go across the region.
Trevor Johnston, Unison lead officer, said: “The trade unions are happy at any improvement to frontline services for patients but must point out that managers and administrative staff carry out important functions in the NHS.
“We’re very concerned that a reduction in these areas will lead to frontline staff being unable to function effectively due to lack of administrative and managerial back up. We are also concerned with governance issues due to these cuts in staff.”
A consultation on the cuts has begun this week and will end on September 15.
Yasmin Chaudhry, chief executive of NHS County Durham, said: “I am humbled by the dedication I see on a day-to-day basis from staff across County Durham and Darlington and am fully committed to keeping everyone informed throughout this difficult process.
“This is an extremely challenging time for the NHS and in County Durham and Darlington we remain determined to ensure we commission healthcare and health services of the highest possible standard for the communities we serve.”
David Stout, executive director of finance and communications at NHS North East, said: “Like all public sector organisations, the NHS in the region must deliver substantial savings in order to meet the challenges of a difficult economic environment.
“The savings made will be reinvested directly in frontline NHS services so that we can meet the future challenges of coping with an ageing population, the introduction of new treatments and technologies, and increasing our focus on prevention.”